Arsenal have so far been unable to strengthen their squad for the second half of the 2024/25 season; however, there has been a surprising development as the Gunners have seen an offer of £60 million rejected by Aston Villa for striker Ollie Watkins.
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Arsenal’s £60 Million Offer For Aston Villa Forward Ollie Watkins
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Gunners made a bid for the Aston Villa forward right before their Champions League game against Girona on Wednesday (29 January). It’s added that the London giants’ proposal was around £60 million and that was quickly rejected by their fellow Premier League side.
The journalist also claims that Aston Villa have been left unhappy with the timing of this particular bid as it also collides with their own important Champions League match against Celtic. Arsenal are clearly interested in signing the England international, but it could be tough for them to get a deal done before the transfer window closes on Monday (3 February).
Watkins had signed a five-year contract extension with the Villans in late 2023 and is currently contracted to the club until the end of June 2028. Arsenal are looking for reinforcements in their forward position after losing Gabriel Jesus, who has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign because of a knee injury sustained in the loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.
What Could Watkins Bring To Arsenal?
The 29-year-old forward has been one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League over the last few years and has 15 goal contributions (10 goals, five assists) in 23 matches so far in the 2024/25 campaign. In 169 appearances in the competition, he’s scored 69 goals and provided 31 assists as well.
Watkins is a mobile, clinical centre-forward who excels in converting opportunities and is impressive with his link-up play too. He has five goals in 18 caps for England in his career and was even hailed for executing an “unbelievable moment” when he scored the winning goal for England in their 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final last year. The Englishman can improve Arsenal’s goal-scoring qualities and be strong competition for Kai Havertz if the Gunners can somehow get a deal done.
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